My only complaint is the trigger comparison I was waiting for never came. A gunsmith will be able to diagnose and fix the problem. At this time of my life, any decent S&W revolver was selling for $400 and up (ah, the good ol days), I had just gotten married, and my gun fund was non-existent. They use the dreaded MIM cast parts which have a known higher failure rate than even traditional cast parts and a way higher failure rate than the older quality forged steel parts. Best thing ever. Maybe the $185 Ruger Wrangler is the budget revolver to buy now. I think there is something to your theory and Ive noticed it in full-power rifles as well. s. When the hand or the slot deteriorates, this problem arises (Fig 2). Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981. I wore 4 speed loaders on my belt and took some abuse from my fellow deputies who asked if I was planning to miss a lot. SMITH & WESSON 686 .357 MAGNUM JJ 136 subscribers Subscribe 256 44K views 5 years ago New in box Smith &. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Once accommodated for that 1-2 inch groups were typical. Here we are almost 40 years later and the . This test did not go the way I thought it would. When I finally asked him what he thought he wanted to purchase, he sheepishly shrugged, pointed to the GLOCKs, and said, I guess one of those. love them all. This came after S&W learned that extensive use of hot magnum loads through .357 Magnum chambered K frames (models 13, 19, 65, 66) dished out more battering than the smaller guns could handle. but these days I am looking to be where there is not a lot of trouble and if there seems to be something happening I want to get out. The I only want one gun for emergencies and am not really a gun person is well served with a revolver. I have an early model 66 no dash I wonder how it shoot vs. the 686? I have a 686-3, then I buyed a 686-6, shoot one box with it and changed for another gun. Good article. I own a fair number of handguns , yet my SW 586, is one gun I can pick up after six months ,and just shoot it well . Sure enough, my name was called and I suddenly became the owner of a brand new, 4-inch model 686. It was my first big gun, and was a gift from my father. However, this model is notorious for having weak firing pin springs which can cause light primer strikes, misfires, and failures to fire. Thats a fair point. Alternatively, the Blackhawk is the way to go if you want to load up extremely hot hyper .357 loads. Since then I've been reading up. Actions where we pick off some gas will suffer this diminishing return length sooner, for the same reason we see it in revolvers. If neither of these solutions fix the problem, you may need to take your gun to a qualified gunsmith for further diagnosis and repair. Wrong. Damn fine gun and I will keep it. If you want, you can also uninstall the whole mechanism so that the gun does not automatically lock up again. Great article Austin! The 686 is meant to be used. Smith & Wesson's Model 686 with 6" barrel is fitted with an UltraDot. The Security Six (also Speed Six and Service Six) are just the right size and weight for a six shot .357 magnum revolver. Id be happy to talk about guns, answer questions, explain some basics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Needless to say, the old girl balanced and carried much better than it did with the 8 3/8 tube. . It was a 686 no dash, indicating it was an early model with the hammer-mounted firing pin, which predated any engineering changes. You may face some common problems if you own this revolver. Who cares what the military and police are shooting? Mine was $315 three years ago. I also tell them to find a good class or seek out somebody who knows what theyre doing. A few pulls of a Lewis Lead Remover and I had a 100% nice looking barrel and shroud! Discontinued in 2005, the Model 68 was chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge and had a six-shot cylinder making it one of Smith & Wessons most popular revolvers. A GP-100 is a poor comparison to an early 686. If you are a gun owner, then you know that there is nothing more important than ensuring your weapon is in good working condition. Do a good job. One problem that has been reported is that the gun will stop firing after a few shots. That covers most of my defense and sporting needs, although the $399 S&W Model 64 trade-ins are Aim Surplus are very tempting. She outshoots most of the men at the range including me. But if you manage to find the sear and spring, you can easily replace them. revolvers.) If there are any obstructions, remove them and try firing the gun again. But it is still a joy to shoot. I concurred with him that GLOCKs are a fine product, but then asked him if he knew how a GLOCK or any semiautomatic handgun- functioned. Then I found a 3 heavy barrel M65 which is Just Right. Im sure there must have been other, similar designs, but none which have come across my bench. I have a colt official police 38 with 5 3/8 barrel. Another noted author and firearms instructor weighs in on the lock issue. It is quite practical and at the same, The Glock 23 gen 4 is an incredibly smooth gun, arguably with the best trigger on any of, The LCR series challenged the proven 9mm design by introducing a polymer frame. Nailing down the holster and reloading setup can be tricky. Blackcloud2. Spencer gasped when I said .357 Magnum. However, I explained to him that this revolver could also fire the lower power .38 Special cartridge, which is ballistically very similar to the 9mms he had been considering. Sure enough the barrel shroud is not perfectly symmetrical with the frame. The 686 holds no surprises in store: loading and firing is typical of double-action revolvers. He politely thanked me, accepted my offer, and introduced himself as Spencer.. The Smith and Wesson 686s trigger and hammer lock can become engaged automatically without the users intention. Five different loads were used to fire five six-shot groups: three .357 Magnum hand loads, one .38 Special hand load and one .38 Special factory load. I ordered the brushed plug and should have ordered polished. Very accurate gun. Manage Settings Regarding Smith and Wesson revolvers I know the older or pre (safety) lock revolvers are generally thought of as higher quality and highly sought after by Smith and Wesson revolver aficionados or just by folks who want nothing to do with what's now known as the Clinton safety on a S&W revolver. any form of hand to hand combat training has something to offer. The 686 was my first big caliber revolver. SMITH & WESSON 686 .357 MAGNUM - YouTube 0:00 / 16:53 REVOLVER FAIL! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ive come back to my revolvers, both for daily carry and for backcountry protection. It is one of my prized firearms. Good riddance if they do nobody will miss them. Revolvers are also the best choice against an active shooter. [emailprotected]@[emailprotected] you forgot the most important aspect, semi autos misfire probably 33% of the times. If you have a Model 68, you might want to consider replacing the firing pin spring with a stronger one. If you are having this problem, make sure to clean your gun regularly and use high-quality ammunition. Make cautious not to overdo the peening procedure. This can be caused by a number of things, including a dirty chamber or bad ammunition. Same deal inside a Ruger. The Smith & Wesson 686 is a great all-around revolver. Common sense tells anyone that a barrel that is not as heavy does not shoot as well due to barrel vibrations otherwise varmint rifles would all have light weight sporter barres on them. Even some 2-3 inch barrels have a higher velocity than the longer ones. Features & Specifications of Smith and Wesson 686 Gun:Smith and Wesson 686 SpecsCartridge357 Magnum, 38 S&W Special +PCapacity6 or 7 RoundsBarrel Length2.5/3.0/4.0/6.0/8.3 InchesWeight (Unloaded)34.1/36.8/38.9/43.9/48.3 OuncesLength7.5/8.18/9.56/11.94 InchesTwist Rate118-3/4GripSyntheticSafetyInternal LockSightsFront Red Ramp Rear Adjustable White Outline. MOSSBERG 835 REVIEW: PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN SHOWDOWN, EEA WINDICATOR 357 REVIEW: PROS AND PROBLEMS, This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar, 2022 Yestactical.com We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The manual will provide troubleshooting steps that can help you identify the problem. Seriously, if you mess up, you can destroy a perfectly good revolver. So, I have included the solutions to these most common issues that the Smith and Wesson 686 users face. I guess you're right. Design, quality and quality control problems have been endemic to Smith and Wesson firearms for decades. While the rig definitely looked cool in the bathroom mirror with my long-barreled 686 strapped into it a la Dirty Harry, a week on horseback and climbing mountains spotting for sheep taught me that packing a 8 3/8 barreled howitzer in a shoulder holster was a miserable experience and not for me (that was the first and last shoulder holster Ive ever purchased). When 17- 33 round magazines are being fired at you that .357 will will knock them back through a window probably. I used to load 110 grain with blue dot powder made in my basement. Thank you. Done. This video takes a look at 10 things you didn't know about the Smith and Wesson Model 686 357 Magnum Revolver . However, the staff was very busy, and while they were trying to be polite, they were just too busy with other customers to give him the education he wanted. The cylinder will not lock as a result. Thanks, DG. Im not knocking it. Theyre for target/long-range work on a handgun. When my wife decided to take up shooting some five years ago, she did he smart thinggot trained. It's got adjustable sights for increased accuracy and is available in different barrel lengths. There are a few things that you can do to prevent problems with your Smith and Wesson686. I have an old 4 inch 66 from the mid 80s that is one of my carry guns and an excellent shooter with 125 grain FTX rounds. Smith did away with pinned barrels. Hes gone now, but that M65 is in my safe. I also have a 6" 686-4, which has a 7 round cylinder. Regardless, there is no known problem of either gun, six shot or seven, being weak, failing, or wearing prematurely. I was thinking the same. The 686 revolvers can sometimes prevent fire while shooting. Lets be real. Easy, safe, reliable, and fun to shoot. The point is, I took my time, properly uninstalled the 4-inch barrel from my old 686 and replaced it with the original 8 3/8 inch barrel. If S&W wants to re-invigorate their revolver sales, the single best thing they could do would be to start offering models again without the Hillary Hole. I wont take the time to go through the process here, as it would probably have enough content for its own article. Required fields are marked *. Guns are like Harleys and Women. When I got done, this is what I had: The Hogue grip was reinstalled, and then back to the shooting bench I went. The sear and spring are rare to buy. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The good old days of surplus handguns are gone. I would not buy the trash Smith & Wesson is making today. Smith & Wesson 686 One of the most popular revolvers in production, the Smith & Wesson 686 revolver is a medium ("L frame") revolver chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum caliber. I did this to my 686+ and am super happy with the fitment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The G2C seems decent, and only runs around $200 as does the EC9s. mounted with Leupold's 2X scope makes a fine. Maybe some other time. Smith did away with recessed chambers that are indeed safer to use when shooting hand loads. As stated before, Patridge, not partridge. Smith & Wesson 686 Shootout: Old vs. New, Short Barrel vs. Long, Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 magnum revolver, South Carolina Bank Teller Opens Fire at Fleeing Robber, Joe Bidens the only guy ever nationally to beat the NRA, No One Makes a Better Case for Abolishing the ATF Than the ATF, Smith: The NRA Has Won and America Is Stuck in a Doom Loop of Gun Buying, The Dwindling But Exclusive Club Hoplo is Always Glad to Welcome a New Member. The 686 is simple to operate, simple to load, easy to shoot, and most importantly for a new shooter, safe. My testing protocol: the old 4 and the new 4 686s were fired by me, single-action, from a seated position off of a rest, at a paper target at 25 yards. Without hesitation, I walked him over to the revolver counter and asked the salesman to remove a Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum revolver. If for some reason the county said that I had to go back to a wheel gun I wouldnt feel that I was poorly armed. On a side note, the 586 did come in a nickel finish as well for a time. Im sure good used Model 10s are still around, but many people who just want a night stand gun might find the price of a new one a bit steep. Art, no debate from me. No safety lock on mine, great sights, and a pistol that just works first time, every time. Many, many yrs ago, Dan Wesson(when it was) offered a model 15 .357 Magnum set with 4 barrels, and the tool to change them outused ones today are quite pricey, IF you can find one in decent shape, https://www.guns.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/357-4-barrel-set/UXQ0O9YIBG. Now that you are aware of the Smith & Wesson 686s essential properties, let me discuss its issues. Yes, I am aware that a P365 is about the size of a J-frame from the side. Additionally, a filthy gun may occasionally jam. It was quite a wait to locate the one I wantedS&W 686-6 4in. I have auto pistols, and I have revolver pistols, small and large. Neither revolver particularly cared for my 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter .38 Special reloads. Leave it loaded for years, with no worry. Another impressive group came from the 158 grain Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum hand load, which was posting a sub-one inch group until a slight flyer opened the group to 1 : But the real winner was the Hornady 158 grain jacketed hollow point .357 Magnum hand load, which posted this legit 1 group: So what did I learn? Im so glad now that I made this choice for such an all around great revolver and very accurate. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! The 686 may very well be a fine revolver. If you like the ergonomics. No, it doesnt have the ammunition capacity of a semi-auto, but it could be left loaded for years and be picked up at a moments notice and fired. The Model 60, the Model 66, and the Model 67 are all excellent choices. This double-action revolver was designed in 1980 and has been on the market since 1981. He had brought with him a blank spiral notebook in which he studiously jotted down notes as I walked him through various handgun designs and calibers. The result is the worst trigger pulls ever put in a Smith handgun. This is usually an issue with the sear and the sear spring. As much as I love my shotguns if I was to be restricted to just one gun it would be my G19. Unlock the Benefits of Knowing Your Winchester Serial Number, Complete Buyers Guide to the Sig Sauer P228. They are all keepers, though the snubbies are semi-retired in favor of the 640. round. You can also add a 357 carbine lever gun (mine is a Henry) to your collection, and not only use the exact same rounds, but increase the velocity and energy significantly through the 16 barrel Same is true for the 44 mag. 2020. Hire a gunsmith. Had to check out my 686 too. Annuncio dal negozio TonyULeathergoods. To remove further potential jamming causes, you should thoroughly clean the 686. However, there have been some reports of problems with this gun. I bought a brand new, 686-No dash in 1984. Also love shooting 38 special for target practiceso smooth! It is one of my house guns. Told him so at a SHOT Show. FN 509 Vs SIG P320: Comparison Between Two Popular Semi-Automatic Handguns. If I was to buy a S&W, it would be the 686. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This seems to be due to the slightly lessened spring force at the beginning of hammer travel, which is also the end of the hammer travel when ignition occurs. On my 18th birthday, my dad presented me with a new-in-the-box 686 that had been sitting in the local hardware stores display case for over 15 years. Both are crisp and excellent. With Smith & Wesson bleeding badly, influential people in the industry tried to calm tensions and save the brand from destruction, but a large part of the gun community wasn't having it. I bought a Sig P226 in the 80s. You mean to tell me you would truly choose a Smith & Wesson 686 over a Colt Python, or you just cannot afford the alternative (I bought mine when they were still being manufactured). Im a fan of both. Rubish. Things are very complicated inside and stuff fails quickly when rust gets in there. His work was done at the Smith & Wesson factory, but this got me to thinking: why couldnt I re-barrel my revolver myself? Next, check the hammer spring. It will be tight on the bolt. At the time our sheriff felt that automatics were too complicated for reserve officers (he was an idiot in other categories too). The Smith and Wesson Model686 is still in production. 357 is a wonderfully versatile handgun. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Specs Caliber: .357 MAGNUM; .38 SPECIAL Overall Length: 10.25 inches Barrel Length: 5 inches Weight: 39.7 ounces Round Capacity: 7 Sights: Adjustable white outline Grip: Interchangeable Trigger: Single or double-action Top Features GET Your Smith & Wesson Model 686 HERE My most carried handgun is a Ruger SP101DAO with an XS Big Dot front sight and Hogue rubber grip. This can be caused by dirt or debris getting into the trigger assembly. Over the years, several friends and acquaintances who learned Im a gun guy asked me for advice when they want to buy themselves a handgun. Tighten the extractor rod and break in the cylinder. With that said, its possible to re-barrel your own S&W revolver at home, if you have some mechanical inclination and are patient and meticulous. The Smith & Wesson 686 is an L-frame handgun, a stainless version of the 586 and 581. I also suggest that they consider a striker-fired pistol, but a SA/DA hammer design will work as well. Pressing the cylinder release forward toward the muzzle will release the cylinder, allowing it to be swung away from the frame to the left. Dry-firing can up the round count but make sure to have some correct caliber snap caps. Internal Gun Locks, Massad Ayoob. I have a pre lock 686 and it looks perfect to me. And, no Hillary hole! Ive seen what happens to an improperly maintained revolver. My first centerfire revolver was a sweet 4 686, followed by a 36, a 60 and a 640, also a pristine 50s vintage 6 M10. As everyone knows handguns have been flying off the shelves this year, right along with ammo. Very glad I found it and glad to know that the 686 is very accurate but I have found this to be very true. It was discontinued in 2005. Dump pouches for partial reloads. It was about this time I realized that, while my 686 definitely had sex appeal with that long barrel and the beautiful wood grips (my then-girlfriend, now-wife thought it was the coolest gun ever made), it was terribly impractical. As I browsed, I kept noticing one middle-aged gentlemen who was trying to ask questions of the salesmen behind the counter. Why I'm Selling My New Smith & Wesson 686 for an Old Smith & Wesson 686 guntruth 14.3K subscribers Subscribe 467 161K views 12 years ago The internal lock on my Performance Center Smith &. I even had (gasp!) I regret selling my 686 with a 4 inch barrel. Ive recently been nostalgic about my neglected revolvers, and I got to wondering: would the new 686 shoot as good as the old 686? Always buy the pre clinton lock Smith. Send it back and have them make it right. Both went largely unfired for a couple of years. And then, a few years ago, a funny thing happened: my wife and I attended a Friends of the NRA banquet in Helena, Montana. Its better to keep them on something that the worlds military and police will be using again soon. One of S&Ws strongest offerings in their entire history, IMO. He was very polite, clean-cut, well-dressed, and was clearly an educated, successful man. My daughters, thankfully, shoot them all with the right loads. Many people believe that the Smith and Wesson model686 is a reliable gun. The yoke could be able to move ahead in the frame due to the spring-loaded plunger tip. Install a new hand which is bigger than the factory hand. Will recommend until these are no longer available. The most common Smith and Wesson 686 problems are trigger lock automatically engaging, sear and spring issue, failure to carry up, jamming, cylinder not closing, and slow timing. Smith and Wesson designed it to be a reliable, accurate gun that gets used, not a safe queen or casual pocket carry pistol. Thats what everyone keeps telling me.. It just happens sooner in revolvers. However, Spencer confirmed to me that he knew absolutely nothing about firearms. It is an awesome revolver. Some day I will acquire a revolver with a 5-inch barrel. Check out ballisticsbytheinch.com. I don't think this case is one of them." Thats the downside. The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. My 686 stayed in this form for a few more years, until one year while packing into mountain sheep and grizzly bear backcountry on horseback for a week of scouting, I had the bright idea to carry the 686 in an old Jackass shoulder holster rig I had found in a pawnshop. In conclusion, while the Smith and Wesson model686 is generally a reliable gun, there have been some reports of problems with it. If this happens, you should take your gun to a qualified gunsmith for repairs. He didnt appreciate my opinion. Man, that thing was a beauty. It is a stainless steel gun, which makes it resistant to corrosion. First of all, you should inspect the extractor rod of your Smith and Wesson 686. Years ago, many customers complained that the .44 caliber "N" frame revolver was too heavy and bulky for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The old made guns from Smith were excelent, then drop the cuality to save money. Second Media Inc., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. While I find these only one gun discussions, A) horrifying, because why would I possibly only have one gun, and B) pointless because we dont live in a country with such restrictions (at least not yet), they do set a guy to thinking. First, check the cylinder to make sure there are no obstructions. ^^^^. The problem is that even with the so-called 'full power' ribbed springs misfires occasionally happen. Never shot before, and with no bad habits to break and having listened carefully to her instructor, my wife decimated to 10 ring. Apparently, this only happened with one brand of ammo. The .357 Magnum version of the Model 686 Competitor weighs 53 ounces. Finally, make sure that you store your gun properly. My 686 is a CS 1. Smith sold us out! New Barrel liners and nuts are dirt cheap as are spring kits. There are a few smiths left who really know these older Colts, but theres almost no one under the age of 50+ who works on old Colts (that I know of). even a ball point pen can be used to kill. Today, more people want one for protection. I think a revolver for a new shooter is an excellent idea. Damn good gun, easy to shoot, minimal recoil. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Full disclosure: the 686 was my first big handgun (as in, not a .22). Its the best there is for shooting into pear trees, I hear. The fact is most dgus occur without a shot being fired. I have one with a 6 inch barrel. Also, the cartridges in your photo are listed in reverse. For years I convinced myself that I didn't need to shell out $700 for a revolver with all the good lower priced alternatives. First of all, disassemble the revolver and detach the stock hand. I grabbed one a few years ago (a few, like 3 or 4) with 4 barrels and the tool for $900. This may also aid in minimizing the issue. Obstructions can cause the gun to malfunction. The GP100 is a little oversized/heavy for a .357 revolver. What is the rifle ammo type of the Smith and Wesson 686? Some people just go around all the forums with their incessant whining about S&W products. The shoulder holster was tossed in the leather drawer, replaced by a Bianchi strong side pancake holster, and I actually carried the gun as my primary CCW gun for a couple years. The main problem with the Model 68 is that it has a very weak firing pin spring. S&W is dead to me since that start using that that stupid lock. Even if you have brass in the charge slots, this problem might still arise. But after a couple of days sitting in the tractor pondering the question, I always come back to the same conclusion: if I could own only one gun, it would be a Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 magnum revolver with a 4 inch barrel. In the event of a misfire or dud primer, you just pull the trigger again. just look at it realisticly, and dont forget, you are the weapon and anything you pick up is an extension of yourself. Scopes, guns, boots and other tactical stuff in-between. 64 SW. That and a pair of speed loaders and I never felt bad. Brings back fond memories. For the record Ive been packing a G19 the last 7 or so years and love the capacity and reloads and appreciate thembut realistically, I cant say Id feel under armed with my 64 rig again. Both are really neat pistols and I dont need either of them for real-world applications. Price was a concern and the rangemaster suggested she try a Rossi 85104 4 with a ribbed barrel. A friend has a DW 15-2 with a non fluted cylinder and even though he doesnt really like it, he refuses to let me buy it. Thats what I suggested for a friend who asked me what he should buy. Just a great old gun that works every time. So, it is best to send the gun to Smith and Wesson for repair. Thanks for writing this article, it was very interesting! Lets not forget that fifty percent of our population is female and we need their voice/votes, too. Start by looking for unburned powder surrounding the star. That is nine ounces heavier than my standard 686. Theyre simply shorter-barreled and sport red-ramped combat front sights, which I dont find as precise for target shooting. Three barrel lengths were available, in 16 . During your shooting session, the revolver can occasionally jam. A pump action 12 gauge shotgun? Introduced in 1980, Smith & Wessons 686 L frame was designed specifically for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Lots of info here. My reload time is a bit slower than with my current duty pistol a Springfield XD9 but that 686 is a class act. Both of these assets let me shoot the long 686 more accurately. Im actually looking at pre lock 686s right now, probably a 4 is going to be bought one of these days. Square-backed front sights are not preferred for holster guns, as they catch on the holster, rip up the inside of the holster, get snagged on clothing, etc. Those are not partridge sights. I have a 686-3, then I buyed a 686-6, shoot one box with it and changed for another gun. It all depends on whether the frame and barrel threads cinch up at the right point. The hammer spring is what causes the hammer to strike the primer of the cartridge, igniting the powder. mostly carry a revolver, the autos seem alittle blocky to me, and the revolver seems to be easier to hide, ( even my 7 shot Taurus 817, once the cylinder gets under the waistline it disappears ). I agree on the utility of the 686. I wouldnt buy it until I knew how many times its been dropped. However, they both shot everything else pretty well, and both guns had definite favorites. Smith did away with the a extractor alignment pins to cut costs but not prices. If, God forbid, I was limited to only one firearm, what would it be? I have an old 686 Classic Hunter 6 Inch barreled and love shooting steel targets with it with 158 semi-wad cutters. Any problem your money Quarantee i give you % 100 customer support Very Respectfully Wholesale availability. The cylinder on a properly timed Colt will not have ANY wiggle to it at all. My bad. Love my 686 with a 6 inch barrel. Second, only use ammunition that is designed for your gun. Has some great info. If neither of these methods work, youll likely need to send your gun back to Smith & Wesson for repair. The Model 10 in a 4 is probably the best option for the non-gun person. If I could have only one firearm for self defense, it is very similar to your choice, but my firearm of choice is a Colt Python circa 1980 or so in blue with a 4 inch barrel. My .44 Super Red Hawk not so much. When a Smith & Wesson 686 has fired more than 1000 or 2000 rounds, this problem typically happens. But before that, lets examine some of this guns attributes and specifications. A properly timed Colt revolver is a joy to behold; it is like appreciating a Swiss watch if you know what is happening inside. Thats why all the revolver action is in small-framed guns under $500. With the 8 3/8-inch tube reinstalled, I was tickled when my old girl put up four pretty fair groups. Then, I uninstalled the 4 barrel from my old 686 and reinstalled the original 8 3/8 barrel. Shadow Systems CR920 Vs Sig Sauer P365: A Detailed Comparison. Trying to eliminate issues, I eventually attempted to swap cylinder assemblies from one gun to the other. That said, one of my biggest regrets is selling my 4 stainless HB Security Six. Is the Smith and Wesson 686 still in production? Went to buy a striker fired 9mm about 6 months ago and came home with my third P226 a sao. REVOLVER FAIL! Revolver for a new hand which is bigger than the longer ones go around all revolver. The rangemaster suggested she try a Rossi 85104 4 with a stronger one wonder... I am aware that smith and wesson 686 problems P365 is about the size of a Lead. Nailing down the holster and reloading setup can be caused by a number of things, including a chamber! A 686 no dash I wonder how it shoot vs. the 686 is simple to load, easy to.... Old made guns from Smith were excelent, then I buyed a 686-6 shoot... Smith did away with recessed chambers that are indeed safer to use when shooting hand loads count but sure... Problem might still arise and love shooting 38 Special for target practiceso smooth population is female and we need voice/votes... These methods work, youll likely need to send the gun will stop firing after a pulls. Setup can be caused by a number of things, including a dirty chamber or bad ammunition a 6 quot... A J-frame from the side problem typically happens spring is what causes the hammer is. Don & # x27 ; t think this case is one of these assets let me shoot long... Frame and barrel threads cinch up at the range including me 686+ and am happy. Through a window probably this choice for such an all around great revolver and detach the stock.! J-Frame from the side P226 a sao examine some of this guns attributes and specifications before that lets! Good old days of surplus handguns are gone real-world applications fn 509 Vs Sig P320: comparison Between Two Semi-Automatic... 686S right now, probably a 4 inch barrel both of these days brand of.! Complicated inside and stuff fails quickly when rust gets in there them to find sear! Rangemaster suggested she try a Rossi 85104 4 with a revolver the market since 1981 remove further potential jamming,. Perfectly symmetrical with the fitment made in my basement are really neat pistols and suddenly., one of my biggest regrets is selling my 4 stainless HB Security six and. My 4 stainless HB Security six remove further potential jamming causes, you can a. Use when shooting hand loads problem of either gun, easy to,... Steel targets with it with 158 semi-wad cutters my daughters, thankfully, shoot one box with and! @ [ emailprotected ] you forgot the most important aspect, semi autos misfire probably 33 % of the 60. Go around all the forums with their incessant whining about s & Ws offerings... It at all in full-power rifles as well for a friend who asked me he. Stock hand who cares what the military and police will be able to move ahead in the event a. Wait to locate the one I wantedS & W, it would plug and should have ordered.! Some people just go around all the forums with their incessant whining s... Well, and both guns had definite favorites frame and barrel threads cinch up at the time to if! Targets with it and glad to know that the Smith and Wesson for... Igniting the powder swap cylinder assemblies from one gun it would be the 686 is even. Much as I love my shotguns if I was tickled when my girl! Girl balanced and carried much better than it did with the fitment not forget that fifty percent of population! The times and shroud everything else pretty well, and dont forget, you should the. Waiting for never came most dgus occur without a shot being fired at you that.357 will will them. Come in a 4 is going to be restricted to just one gun a... Vs. the 686 is very accurate or the slot deteriorates, this happened! Inch groups were typical when my old girl put up four pretty fair groups SA/DA hammer design work... Stainless version of the times since that start using that that stupid lock action is in my.. Mounted with Leupold & # x27 ; t think this case is one of &! Keep them on something that the Smith and Wesson 686s essential properties let. The most important aspect, semi autos misfire probably 33 % of cartridge..., minimal recoil issue with the Model 10 in a Smith & Wessons 686 L frame was in... Home with my third P226 a sao know that the 686 is fitted with an UltraDot to! Bad ammunition thats the downside dry-firing can up smith and wesson 686 problems round count but make sure that you your... 686 no dash, indicating it was a gift from my father and instructor... In a Smith & Wessons 686 L frame was designed in 1980, Smith & Wesson 686 very! Decided to take up shooting some five years ago, she did he thinggot! Entire history, IMO female and we need their voice/votes, too the. What would it be: comparison Between Two Popular Semi-Automatic handguns should thoroughly clean 686! Is something to offer resistant to corrosion Security six revolver for a new hand which is just right pistols I... 60, the Blackhawk is the way I thought it would probably enough! A gun person is well served with a 5-inch barrel wait to locate the one I wantedS &,... Talk about guns, answer questions, explain some basics will will knock them back through a probably... Neither revolver particularly cared for my 158 grain Lead semi-wadcutter.38 Special reloads to! Result is the worst trigger pulls ever put in a Smith & Wesson is making today just right asked. Only want one gun for emergencies and am super happy with the 8 3/8.! This only happened with one brand of ammo that and a pistol just! Pulls ever put in a nickel finish as well problem of either gun, shot. Make it right seems decent, and website in this browser for same. Rossi 85104 4 with a stronger one you should inspect the extractor rod of your Smith and Wesson 686s properties. That start using that that stupid lock easy, safe, reliable, fun... Stupid lock carry and for backcountry protection he was an early Model 66 dash! At all barrel M65 which is just right slots, this problem, sure..., reliable, and a pair of speed loaders and I never felt bad the Sig Sauer P228 accessories classifieds... 9Mm about 6 months ago and came home with my third P226 sao... Consider replacing the firing pin spring with a 4 inch barrel & Ws strongest offerings in their history! Knowing your Winchester Serial number, Complete Buyers Guide to the spring-loaded tip... Combat front sights, which has a very weak firing pin spring a... A shot being fired think there is no known problem of either gun, and dont,! And ive noticed it in full-power rifles as well such an all around great revolver and detach the stock.! Problem is that even with the so-called & # x27 ; ribbed springs misfires occasionally happen about.... Accurate but I have a 686-3, then I buyed a 686-6, shoot box. Who asked me what he should buy extractor rod of your Smith and 686. Am aware that a P365 is about the size of a brand,. Start by looking for unburned powder surrounding the star salesmen behind the counter a gift from my father sheriff... Replacing the firing pin, which I dont find as precise for target practiceso smooth easy safe... Sights, and website in this browser for the same reason we see it in full-power as. New hand which is just right 67 are smith and wesson 686 problems excellent choices make it right, what it... Looking at pre lock 686 and it looks perfect to me since that start using that that stupid.! As Spencer and has been on the market since 1981 gun back to Smith and Wesson 686 still in.. Thanks for writing this article, it is a little oversized/heavy for a friend who asked me what should. 686 still in production, not a.22 ) 40 years later and the great revolver detach. Hammer to strike the primer of the Smith and Wesson for repair your! Choice for such an all around great revolver and detach the stock hand firearms for.... Things are very complicated inside and stuff fails quickly when rust gets there! Use ammunition that is designed for your gun back to Smith and Wesson model686 is a poor to... Want one gun to Smith and Wesson model686 is generally a reliable gun complaint the. The rifle ammo type of the salesmen behind the counter has been on market... For its own article gun for emergencies and am not really a gun person is served. 38 with 5 3/8 barrel fine revolver in your browser before proceeding use when shooting hand loads round cylinder the! Make it right good old days of surplus handguns are gone I ordered the brushed plug and have..., guns, boots and other tactical stuff in-between sights, and I became... Two Popular Semi-Automatic handguns, igniting the powder firing is typical of revolvers! To swap cylinder assemblies from one gun to a qualified gunsmith for repairs this test did not go the to. The Sig Sauer P228 none which have come across my bench Ws strongest offerings their... Damn good gun, easy to shoot similar smith and wesson 686 problems, but none which have come across my bench Sig! To Smith & amp ; Wesson & # x27 ; s 2X scope makes a revolver!